State of Michigan
Department of Natural Resources
Lansing

Dear Off-Road Vehicle User:

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is pleased to provide several outdoor recreation opportunities for your use and enjoyment, including designated Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trails and riding areas.

With many program responsibilities, the Department must balance its goal of providing designated ORV riding opportunities with its duty to protect and manage the State's natural resources. A recently completed forest certification audit evaluated, among other items, the use of ORVs on state forest lands. The finding of this audit was that an unacceptable level of environmental damage is resulting from illegal ORV use on state-owned lands.

This is a serious matter that must be addressed by both the Department and the ORV community. It is very likely that the privilege to use ORVs on state-owned land will diminish if illegal ORV use is not significantly reduced or eliminated. Please stay on designated ORV trails/areas. If you see other users damaging the environment, report them by calling 1-800-292-7800. The ORV community must step forward and make it clear that illegal ORV use not only hurts the environment but also harms the reputation of legal users and threatens the future of legal ORV use in Michigan.

Thank you for your help in this matter. Together, we can make a difference.

Consider sharing your ORV knowledge and experience by becoming an instructor. The DNR is seeking individuals who are willing to teach ORV safety classes in their communities. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming an ORV instructor, visit our website at www.michigan.gov/recreationalsafety.